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Hi, nice to meet you.

I'm Hallie, a Midwest native, New York City transplant and the mind behind corals + cognacs. If you're looking for an online destination for stylish inspiration and musings on Manhattan living, you've come to the right place.

I hope you enjoy reading corals + cognacs as much as I enjoy writing it.

FAQ //LOCATION: New York, New York •BY WAY OF: The Midwest (Cleveland/Chicago) •HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? Attainable, trendy and fun. I’m constantly wearing unexpected pairings – like statement pumps and a graphic tee. •FAVORITE ITEM IN YOUR CLOSET? The vintage Gucci clutch I thrifted for $40. •ANY OBSESSIONS? I like my coffee black, my heels high and my martinis dirty. •GUILTY PLEASURES? Complex carbohydrates and shoe shopping -- both in excess. (And SoulCycle, as a result.)

ARE YOU A FULL-TIME BLOGGER? No, I work as a Development Manager and Contributing Editor at Glam.com. •WHY DID YOU START YOUR BLOG? I've spent nearly seven years on the corporate grind, where sartorial humor and an expertly crafted color-block can get lost in the boardroom. As a result, I decided to create a blog -- a space where I’d hoped my writing, styling and excessive shoe collection would be better comprehended. •WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Living stylish and spontaneously in New York City – and beyond. I aim to inspire others to have fun with fashion and to live lightheartedly •HOW’D YOU THINK OF THE NAME? To be honest, the name just came to me. I’m a big color-blocker and a sucker for alliteration in writing. It just fit. •WHAT’S THE CORRECT WAY TO WRITE IT? corals + cognacs.

HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE IT? corals and cone-yaks. •WHAT KIND OF CAMERA DO YOU USE? A Canon T3i with a 50mm f/1.4 lens. •DON’T YOU FEEL WEIRD TAKING PHOTOS OF YOURSELF? Absolutely. Everyone looks at me like I’m insane – especially when it’s cold. Wouldn’t you? •DO YOU WORK WITH ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS? Yep! Shoot me an e-mail and let’s talk. •HOW ELSE CAN WE KEEP IN TOUCH? On Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

In addition to leather and printed pants, studded details are ruling every aspect of my closet this season.

Last week while shoe shopping, I was impressed with both the collections from INC and Truth or Dare by Madonna, but these caught and held my wandering eye. They’ve got to be the most comfortable pair of pumps I own. I walked (strutted) around all day in these responding on autopilot, saying, “Macy’s. Right? Who knew?” … Or so it seemed.

Like other fashion trends, too much of a good thing can be overkill, so pick one or two items you want to rock your studs on. Pair down the rest of your outfit with neutrals and basics, so that your stud’liness can speak for itself.

Two of my girlfriends, Diana and Joleen, came along to snap these pics. Joleen took the ones above, while D took this one. That’s what’s really going on when we’re shooting detail shots.

From exciting events to the latest trends, amazing contests to everyday values, Macy’s has been making magic for over 150 years! Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Macy’s via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Macy’s.

I love the simplicity in which you styled this outfit! It all focuses on the edgy details, which I love! Its so easy to overdo it with accessories, but you really did a great job of balancing the whole look.

I still can’t get over those heels! THEY.ARE.SICK. !!! I love studded details on a bag or blazer (love yours above), but on shoes?! Studded detail is never more striking or AWESOME than on a great pair of heels!